Online Safety - Social Networking

Humans are, by nature, social creatures. We seek out social interaction. Social media websites have become one of our outlets for this interaction.

Social media sites can be a great way to stay in touch with family, friends, and co-workers, and make connections with new groups of people. They can also be a great way to collect information about you -- particularly if you leave your profile open.

No one is saying you should not share what you want. Rather, be smart about what you post and take advantage of privacy settings.

Think about Who Can See Your:

Check-ins

Status updates

Photos

Relationship status

Date of birth, cell number, background

If you have not altered your privacy settings, you may be surprised at the number of people who see exactly what you are doing, when you are doing it, and where you are doing it.

Simple Ways to Increase Your Social Networking Security

Create groups/circles of people and use those groups to restrict who sees your social networking activity (status updates, check-ins, photos)

Think before you post anything that is viewable by workmates. Consider creating a group for workmates and hide them from workplace-sensitive posts.

Consider friend requests before you accept them.

Regularly check your privacy and security settings, especially when the site makes changes.